Thomas Kinkade is America's most collected living artist. Coming from a modest background, Kinkade emphasizes simple pleasures and inspirational messages through his paintings. As a devout Christian, Thomas Kinkade uses his gift as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life-affirming values.

It was while growing up in the small town of Placerville, California that these important values were nurtured. It was also during this time that Thom began to explore the world around him. He spent a summer on a sketching tour with a college friend, producing the best-selling instructional book, The Artist's Guide to Sketching. The success of the book landed the two young artists at Ralph Bakshi Studios to create background art for the animated feature film Fire and Ice. It was also during this time that Kinkade began to explore light and imaginative worlds with abandon.

After the film, Thom earned his living as a painter, selling his originals in galleries throughout California. In 1982, he married his childhood sweetheart, Nanette, and two years later they began to publish his art.

FAMILY & FAITH

A devoted husband and doting father to their four daughters, Kinkade strives to lead a balanced life, committed to family values. Thomas Kinkade creatively fills his paintings with "love notes" by hiding the letter "N" in his paintings as tribute to his wife, Nanette. His daughters also find their own messages of love from their father as their names and images often appear in many of his paintings.

Thom credits the Lord for both the ability and the inspiration to create his paintings. His goal as an artist is to touch people of all faiths, to bring peace and joy into their lives through the images he creates. The letters he receives every day testify to the fact that he is achieving this goal.

CHARITIES & AFFILIATIONS

Thomas Kinkade is involved in several collaborations, including a partnership with one of the most charitable organizations in the United States, The Salvation Army. Two special charity prints were created for The Salvation Army, "The Season of Giving" and "The Light of Freedom." Proceeds were donated to The Salvation Army's General Fund and to help aid those in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. More than $1.5 million has been donated as a result of this affiliation. The Thomas Kinkade Foundation serves and supports non-profit organizations focusing on children, humanitarian relief, and the arts.

Thomas Kinkade's involvement in such organizations, along with his appearances on the award winning news broadcast, 60 Minutes, as well as Good Morning America, is testimony to the fact that his artwork is touching the hearts of millions worldwide.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Thomas Kinkade has received many awards for his works, including multiple National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (NALED) awards for Artist of the Year and Graphic Artist of the Year. He received the Lithograph of the Year Award for eight consecutive years. Most recently, he was awarded the 2001 Lithograph of the Year for "The Light of Freedom." Thomas Kinkade has been recognized not only for his art, but also for his philanthropic efforts. He was honored with the 2002 World Children's Center Humanitarian Award for his contributions to improving the welfare of children and their families through his work with Kolorful Kids and Art for Children.

In 2002, Thomas Kinkade was inducted into the California Tourism Hall of Fame as an individual who has influenced the public's perception of tourism in California through his images of California sights. He was also selected to commemorate the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games and the 2002 World Series. Thomas Kinkade has met with the Pope, U.S. Presidents, celebrities, and other well-known dignitaries to convey his hope-filled, life affirming message. His influence knows no bounds.